MIDDLETOWN — The Main Library reopened last Friday after 16 months of renovations.
Fifty percent more space has been added to the original building at the New Monmouth Road location since 1971, according to staff.
Old shelving and furniture has been replaced, and the children’s and family room has doubled in size.
New books, DVDs, videos, CD-ROM audio books and compact discs, magazines and paperbacks are now located in the “HUB,” or center of the building.
All borrowers will eventually receive a new library card and will be able to use self check-out computers for express service. The new cards will be used in conjunction with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system.
The budget for the project was $8.5 million and included municipal, state and federal funds, grants, as well as private donations.
A formal rededication ceremony for the public will be held Oct. 23 and will feature daylong activities for children and adults.
— Karen E. Bowes